I know a lot of people will disagree, but atheism is, in many ways, like a religion. In any case it is an unChristian worldview which is worth discussing in this series.
History
There have probably always been people who doubt God's existence, but it began becoming popular during the Renaissance with the rise of humanism.This philosophy focused on humans, rather than God, which was radically different from the medieval times, which is sometimes called the Age of Faith. Another major event that led to the degradation of God so prevelent in America today was the theory of evolution. For information on what the theory is and its problems, try http://www.answersingenesis.org/get-answers#/topic/evolution Over the years, since many scientists believe in evolution and interpret evidence through that worldview, a lot of people do not seem to give much thought to God and operate under the assumption that there is no God at all. (Please do not be mistaken. There were many amazing accomplishments from the Renaissance, and I am not anti-science. The point is that God should be the top priority and that when people began to lose their focus on God, they began to lose their faith as well.)
Beliefs
The beliefs of atheists may vary greatly, but they all believe that God does not exist. Most atheists will believe in at least one of the following:
What do they believe about Jesus?
Atheists don't really believe anything about Jesus. They believe He was an ordinary man like you and me.
Atheists vs. Agnostics
An atheist believes God doesn't exist, while agnostics are more neutral. They are a little more open to the possibility of God, but they also believe that God doesn't really care about humans, that He is a distant being not involved in their affairs. Agnostics may also think that no one can really know if there is a God and who He is.
Stories of Former Atheists
Florence Johnson: An Atheist's Pain http://www.cbn.com/700club/features/amazing/CWM13_Florence_Johnson.aspx
Ex-Atheist's Christian Testimony http://christianity.about.com/od/drugandalcoholaddiction/a/Coming-Out-Of-A-Trance.htm
Links/Sources
http://www.godandscience.org/
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
http://christiananswers.net/evangelism/beliefs/atheism.html
http://christiananswers.net/evangelism/responses/home.html
Please Pray
In Your Comment
History
There have probably always been people who doubt God's existence, but it began becoming popular during the Renaissance with the rise of humanism.This philosophy focused on humans, rather than God, which was radically different from the medieval times, which is sometimes called the Age of Faith. Another major event that led to the degradation of God so prevelent in America today was the theory of evolution. For information on what the theory is and its problems, try http://www.answersingenesis.org/get-answers#/topic/evolution Over the years, since many scientists believe in evolution and interpret evidence through that worldview, a lot of people do not seem to give much thought to God and operate under the assumption that there is no God at all. (Please do not be mistaken. There were many amazing accomplishments from the Renaissance, and I am not anti-science. The point is that God should be the top priority and that when people began to lose their focus on God, they began to lose their faith as well.)
Beliefs
The beliefs of atheists may vary greatly, but they all believe that God does not exist. Most atheists will believe in at least one of the following:
- Evolution
- The world has existed for millions of years
- There is no morally right and wrong. Theoretically, this would mean that there is no moral difference between killing your mother and giving your mother a hug.
- All religions teach basically the same thing.
- Christians are anti-science. (There is scientific evidence for the existence of God. I recommend www.answersingenesis.org and www.godandscience.org)
- Life has no purpose. They think that since God doesn't exist, then life is just an accident and there is no reason to do good things, bad things, or really anything at all.
What do they believe about Jesus?
Atheists don't really believe anything about Jesus. They believe He was an ordinary man like you and me.
Atheists vs. Agnostics
An atheist believes God doesn't exist, while agnostics are more neutral. They are a little more open to the possibility of God, but they also believe that God doesn't really care about humans, that He is a distant being not involved in their affairs. Agnostics may also think that no one can really know if there is a God and who He is.
Stories of Former Atheists
Florence Johnson: An Atheist's Pain http://www.cbn.com/700club/features/amazing/CWM13_Florence_Johnson.aspx
Ex-Atheist's Christian Testimony http://christianity.about.com/od/drugandalcoholaddiction/a/Coming-Out-Of-A-Trance.htm
Links/Sources
http://www.godandscience.org/
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
http://christiananswers.net/evangelism/beliefs/atheism.html
http://christiananswers.net/evangelism/responses/home.html
Please Pray
- That atheists would see the problems with the evolution theory.
- That atheists would come to Christ.
- That they would be convicted of their sin and that there is a natural, moral, right and wrong.
- That more Christians would reach out to their atheist friends and family members.
- For my two older brothers, both of whom are atheists.
- For any prayer requests in the comments section.
In Your Comment
- Let me know of any inaccuracies in my article.
- Let me know what you thought about the article.
- Give any advice for witnessing to atheists to help others who read this.
- Write prayers for atheists.
- Tell about any atheists you know so we can pray for him/her
